I was struck by the positivity of a couple that I met at my father-in-law’s 80th birthday. She hailed from Caracas and he from Istanbul, both had delightful and refreshing countenance that I found remarkable.

Positivity can be cloying. But there was a subtlety and tact to theirs. For one, it seemed genuine but more importantly, each positive comment, spin, or story they told was laced with something other then good vibes–gratitude. This couple was extremely grateful. It was never just, “Wow, that’s great!” instead it was, “Wow, what a blessing it is to have had the opportunity to experience that.” It made me feel like I ought to be grateful as well. I appreciated that.